This activity is from Scholastic News

What Is Hispanic Heritage Month?

Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated every year from September 15 to October 15. It is a time to recognize the many contributions of Latinos to life in the United States. Here are some ways in which you and your students can join the celebration.

1. On a map that includes North, Central, and South America, and the Caribbean, point out all the countries where Spanish is spoken. Spanish is spoken in all of the following countries and Puerto Rico: Mexico, Dominican Republic, Cuba, Guatemala, Panama, Peru, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Paraguay, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Costa Rica, and Honduras.

2. Identify local or regional place names that may be derived from Spanish. As a class, research the meaning of the Spanish name and why it might have been used.

3. Plan a Latin American festival of foods.

4. As a class, research and perform a folk dance or song from a country in Latin America.

5. Invite a Hispanic guest speaker or storyteller to class.

6. Read a folktale from a country in Latin America.

7. Read a children's book by a Hispanic author, such as Gary Soto, Pat Mora, or Lulu Delacre.

8. Let children dance to salsa, Latin jazz, or Tejano music.

9. As a class, learn some new words in Spanish. Try learning numbers, the alphabet, and some greetings.